Don’t you just love that fresh Round 1 smell that a team has after your get unlimited transfers? I was able to give my team a badly needed makeover and I hope everyone else was as satisfied with their trades as well. But don’t get too attached to your new team because Round 20 is here and it’s time to start making your transfers. Here is my list of the players who I think are going to do well in Round 20.
'Keeper
Back at it: An ongoing battle for a starting goalkeeper spot may make some managers antsy, but after earning a clean sheet against Real Salt Lake on the road last week, I think Bobby Shuttleworth ($5.4) has secured the spot for the Revolution’s game against Chicago this Saturday (7:30 pm ET; MLS LIVE). This gives him the opportunity for more bonus points as the Fire has one of the lowest road scoring records in the league and no recent road wins.
Defenders
Bang for Buck: After seeing the results from the last two #NYderby's this season, it’s hard to not want grab a few players to cover the inevitable points. The chances for a clean sheet look slim, but RJ Allen ($5.3) has proven that he is perfectly capable of generating a strong fantasy score without them thanks to an uncanny ability to rack up assists.
Differential Pick: If you’re looking for a player to help move your team away from the standard mold, then consider Saad Abdul-Salaam ($6.1). He’s been starting since Round 6 and has earned a very respectable score for a non-center back. Abdul-Salaam also has a good shot at some bonus points this week when Sporting Kansas City hosts a Seattle team on Sunday that has been struggling to score on the road (3 pm ET; ESPN).
Double Down: Some fantasy managers like to spread their defender over several teams, but others like to stack one team when they are hot, and Colorado are HOT. Most players already have Axel Sjoberg ($6.2), so if you’re looking to expand your Colorado coverage, then consider Marc Burch ($5.6). He’s a bargain basement player who’s only going to earn an average score, but this pick is all about clean sheet hunting.
Midfielders
On Fire Form: If you are looking to add an on form player, then Frank Lampard ($10.5) is your man. He missed the first half of the season due to a lingering injury but over his last six games, he’s scored five goals and earned one assist. He’s clearly ready to play and there is no better time to prove his worth to his team, his fans, and fantasy managers than the #NYderby.
Back in Action: One big disappointment from last week was the late suspension of Ignacio Piatti ($11.1). He’s back in action for this round and his 11 goals and three assists makes him one of the top targets for Round 20 as some other big name players become questionable.
Slow and Steady: If you’re looking for a consistent player to replace the suspended Osvaldo Alonso ($9.2), then take a look at Colorado’s Micheal Azira ($5.5). What you’ll see is what you’ll get, a low priced player with no bells and whistles, just a flow of consistent points which currently averages to almost five per game.
Forwards
Derby Day: Rivalries are a great way for a coach to motivate his team and this motivation often converts into high fantasy totals. The #NYderby once again brings Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.1) and David Villa ($12.2) back into the spotlight, if they ever really left. By this point of the year, everyone is well aware of their scoring potential, so the only questions left is which one? My preference is BWP due to his form, but if you have the funds, you could always be bold and go with both.
Second Chance: The biggest disappointment for many managers in Round 19 was the penalty miss by Robbie Keane ($11.6), especially if he was your captain, but don’t let that shake your faith in the veteran striker. Keane still has a strong desire to score and is surrounded by the people to help him do just that. Combine this with Portland’s poor record of keeping the ball out of the net at home, and you have a recipe for goals.
These are the players who I think are worth investing in for Round 20, who are you targeting? Post your thoughts in the comments below and if you are interested in more charts and tips, check out the latest posts over at MLS Fantasy Boss and advice from the other MLS Fantasy Experts.
